LINDIS PASS

 The main inland link between Otago and the Waitaki Basin, the Lindis Pass climbs through rocky gorges before reaching the tussock-covered hills of a Department of Conservation reserve near the summit. Early Māori, like today’s holidaymakers, used the route in summer to get to Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. In 1858, John McLean, the first European to settle in the area, established the 2,000 sq km (772 sq mile) Morven Hills Station. Many of the original buildings can still be seen about 15 km (9 miles) south of the summit. These include McLean’s original homestead and a massive stone woolshed, built about 1880, which was capable of holding up to 1,500 sheep.

Lindis Pass, South Island, New Zealand

The dramatic Lindis Pass links the Mackenzie region with Central Otago and is crossed during the drive between Christchurch and Queenstown.

Received from Roman

OTIRA VIADUCT

Straddling the Southern Alps 153 km from Christchurch and 98 km from Greymouth, the 1,147 sq km  Arthur’s Pass National Park, the seventh largest in the country, is a place of huge geological and climatic contrasts. On the western side of the alps, where the rainfall is high, the park is clad in dense and varied rainforest through which steep, boulder-strewn rivers rush; on the drier eastern side, mountain beech forests and tussock-covered river flats predominate. Sixteen mountain peaks in the park exceed 2,000 m.

 Otira Viaduct, Arthur's Pass National Park, Canterbury

 

The park offers the well-equipped outdoor enthusiast superb mountain climbing and hiking opportunities, as well as many shorter walks suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Otira Viaduct completed in 1999, this section of State Highway 73 spans the rugged Otira River. The TranzAlpine journey from Christchurch to Greymouth crosses the Canterbury Plains before cutting dramatically through the Southern Alps via the Otira viaduct.

 

Received from Roman 

CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch is New Zealand's second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps. Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch is a city of contrasts.It is a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty. A growing cosmopolitan ambience also adds a touch of excitement without overt flashiness.

The 'Sign of the Takahe' - Christchurch New Zealand

This unique Gothic style building was conceived by Mr. H. G. Ell in 1918 as a roadhouse for the refreshment of travellers along the scenic Port Hills. I was constructed with primitive tools by relief workers during the 1932 depression and commands a panoramic view of the city, the Plains and the Southern Alps. The roadhouse is open daily for inspection and refreshments.